More Empties....So Tragic

There's nothing I feel more guilty about than looking at the hordes of products of makeup that I purchase with enthusiasm and then never use.  Obviously, trying out new products is fun, but there are always going to be those staples that you keep reaching for!  

So, I thought I'd make another video showing some of my empty products and why I love them so much!

Hope you enjoy :)

xo

Kelly

Best Summer Makeup Staples

Everyone knows that makeup in the summer can be a nightmare.  It's hot out, your face is glistening (or full on sweating if you're me), you might even be going into water at some point.  A lot of people make the common mistake of using the same makeup for winter that they do for summer.  This is never a good idea and can lead to breakouts and other skin problems.  It's important to notice the difference in your skin in between seasons so that you can adjust your routine accordingly.  

For me, I like to apply a lighter moisturizer in the summer, something with an SPF so that my face has coverage throughout the day.  I also like to switch from liquid or cream foundation to powder.  For my eyes I find that the tanner I get the less my winter eye shadow looks quite as stunning, so I like to switch to warmer, bronzier browns and golds.  My lips I'll play around with but I try to avoid very dark colors in the summer, and often look for brighter pinks, corals and even nudes that will make my lips pop.

My favorite foundation for summer, hands-down, is the bareMinerals loose foundation.  It's so light weight it barely looks as though I'm wearing any makeup and it doesn't feel heavy or thick on your skin.  Also, it's easy to reapply throughout the day if need be.



In the winter I like to rely on my Kiehl's moisturizer as it is extra moisturizing and I find that my skin gets dry in the cold.  In the summer it's all about my Garnier Skin Renew Moisturizer.  This is the least greasy feeling moisturizer I've ever used so it's amazing in the summer.  It also has SPF 28 so it protects your skin.




For mascara I find it's really difficult to find a good waterproof formula.  Some of them get really flakey, others don't stay in place and others look like you've just clumped a bunch of black stuff on your eyes.  I personally really love the Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara.  It stays in place incredibly well, even in the pool and it doesn't cake up or give you spider lashes.  Well worth the $25 investment.  If you'd prefer not to spend as much, the Maybelline Volum'Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara is phenomenal!  It's only $7 but it stays in place just as well as the Bobbi Brown formula.  It also gives your eyelashes a very full, voluminous look.

  

Lastly, my secret trick for keeping my makeup in place all summer long is applying the Neat 3B Face Saver Gel before applying anything else to my skin.  Using this as a base even before my foundation reduces perspiration and oiliness which helps to keep my makeup in place all day long.  I stumbled upon this stuff a few years ago and I absolutely love it!  It works so well for reducing sweat on your face/neck and is gentle enough that it doesn't sting or affect your skin negatively.  Definitely worth the investment if your skin tends to get extra oily in the summer.




These are just a few of my favorite summer makeup products...what are yours?

xo

Kelly

Drugstore Products that are Just as Good as High End Products

We all love our high end makeup.  It’s often better in quality, has fancier packaging and you feel special walking to a Mac or a Sephora.  That being said there are a ton of drugstore makeups that can offer just as good quality and give you the same effect with spending the $$$$$.  Having lived off drugstore makeup until I was a young adult and able to actually afford the better stuff I've tested my fair share.  I will say hands down, without a doubt Maybelline, no matter the product, is going to give you the best bang for your buck and they offer phenomenal products and shades.  Even now I’ll find myself reaching for their stuff over some of the higher end stuff.  However, I didn't want to write an article all about Maybelline so I decided to share with you my favorite drug store products organized by category.

EYES

Best Kohl Eye Liner: Covergirl Perfect Blend Pencil $4.49

This product goes on really smoothly and creates a perfect line that’s great for blending.  It even comes with a handy little smudge brush at the end.  This product stays in place all day and it has a few different colors so you can get a brown, a navy, a black, whatever suits you.  At $4.49 it’s definitely worth the purchase!

Comparison: Mac Kohl Eyeliner

Liquid Eyeliner: Maybelline Ultra Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner $5.99

This one I love because not only it is extremely waterproof (I’ve gone swimming in this and it hasn’t budged!) the brush is thin enough that it creates a really precise line.  It comes in brown and black, so not too many choices but just enough for eyeliner.  I love this stuff, I wore it in high school and still wear it to this day. 

Comparison: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liner

Gel Liner:  Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Defining Long Wear Gel Liner $8.99

It’s hard to find a good gel liner.  A lot of them dry up or go on globby.  I’m a die hard fan of the Mac version and wear it almost every day.  This however is a great imitation.  It also comes in brown and black so you have the choice if you don’t want it to be too dark.  The key to any gel liner is getting the right brush to apply it with.  Without that don’t bother buying this.  Sonia Kashuk has a phenomenal line of brushes so I would check out what she has and get one of hers!  This prodcut is only $8.99

Comparison: Mac Fluidline in Blacktrack

Mascara:  L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes $8.50

Hands down the absolute best mascara are the ones that have the primer and mascara in one.  I know Maybelline used to offer one but I don’t think they do anymore.  L’Oreal however does, and I've used it and it’s phenomenal!  It’s the L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes.  It comes in Black and Blackest Black ( I never really understand how much blacker that actually is but I digress).  This tube is double sided so the one end has the white primer which primes your lashes giving the mascara something to stick to really helping to add incredible volume as you apply the black.  I would never buy a drugstore mascara that was not this ever again.  

Comparison:  This is hard because I haven’t come across a higher end product that offers a primer/mascara in one.  I guess you could buy the Dior primer and the Dior mascara?

Eye Shadow:  Almay Intense-I Bold Shadows $4.99

 These I absolutely love because they a. come in three easy colors so you’re never confused as to what to put where, b. they come for different eye colors.  It says on the package which set would look best with your color eyes so you can really get something that’s going to make your eyes pop!  I love the purple one which is for brown eyes.  The brown set is for blue eyes, the green set is for green eyes and the nudish set for hazel eyes.  Additionally, these colors stay on and are really great quality!  I really love the way they set up their shadows and I think they’re so easy for on the run or for beginners or for someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of time mixing and watching.

Comparison:  Naked Palette (although those don’t specific what colors work well with what eye color)

FACE-

Foundation:   L’Oreal True Match SuperBlend Liquid Makeup $6.64

I love this product because it comes in so many colors.  There is literally a color for every skin tone you can imagine.  I dislike the tube it comes in because I find I wish a lot not having a pump but it provides great coverage without being too greasy.  It also lasts all day long.  I definitely recommend this if you don’t want to spend a ton of money on foundation but want a color that will actually make your skin.  It’s best applied with a makeup sponge or brush.

Comparison: Nars Sheer Glow Liquid Foundation

Highligher:  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer $7.99

This stuff is phenomenal!  It works just as well as the Mac highlighter but it’s actually easier to apply because it has the build in sponge.  It’s so easy for throwing in your purse and touching up during the day.  I love, love, love this stuff especially for when I want an under eye highlighter but don’t have $20 to spend at Mac.  Definitely worth the buy!

Comparison: Mac Prep + Prime Highlighter

Face Powder: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Compact Powder Foundation $8.81

I love Neutrogena products because I always feel like I’m doing my skin a favor.  Their stuff is always formatted for the most sensitive, allergic skin.  This is a great pressed power that comes in a variety of colors for setting your liquid foundation.  I absolutely love this stuff as my face feels clean and moisturized after applying it.

Comparison: Urban Decay De-Slick Powder

Concealer:  Physicians Formula Twin Cream Concealer- Yellow/Light $6.49

This stuff I love because it comes with both a regular concealer color and a yellow color which is great for hiding dark spots under your eyes.  There’s nothing more annoying than caking on skin toned concealer only to find it doesn’t work on your bags.  That’s why this product is great.  You put a little yellow, cover it with the color and you’re good to go!

Comparison: I honestly can’t think of one that has 2 in one

Blush: Sonia Kashhuk Beautifying Blush $9.79

This stuff is amazing.  It essentially is higher end quality.  It has a gorgeous array of colors and it goes on extremely well without looking cheap or cheesy.  It also last all day.  Definitely recommend this!

Comparison:  Any Mac blush

Bronzer: No7 Perfectly Bronzed Pearls $11.99

Before I became an Estee Lauder bronzer junkie I used to ride and die by this stuff.  It is PHENOMENAL.  It is probably my favorite item on the list.  It works so well I can’t even describe it.  You need to use a brush with it but you’d apply it the same way you would any other bronzer.  It doesn’t have shimmer so you can use it to contour or you can place it on your face where the sun would hit.  It’s just such a great products!  Run, don’t walk, and buy it!

Comparison: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzing Powder

Lip Liner:  Prestige Cosmetics Lipliner- $4.29

This stuff is great.  It comes in a variety of colors and stays on all day.  I love mine and wear it at least 3 times a week.  The quality is phenomenal and all around it’s just a great product!  I definitely recommend getting this!

Comparison: Mac Lipliner

Lipstick:  Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick- Kate Moss Collection $5.49

I loveeeee this read lipstick I got by her.  It’s so gorgeous, the color is a little more firey than other reds I own and it stays on so well.  It looks great with any skin tone but especially with skin and blonde hair like mine.  I would definitely buy this in a heart beat over some of the more unnecessary expensive brands.  Great purchase!

Mac: Ruby Woo

What do you guys think?  Do you have any favorites I haven't mentioned?

xo

Kelly

Drugstore Haul

Living in NYC nothing is cheap.  So unfortunately here the difference between drugstore makeup and higher end makeup is minimal.  Therefore, I've found myself buying less drugstore makeup, not because of the quality but just because of the price.  It can cost $15 for a bottle of liquid concealer from Maybelline and $23 for a bottle from Mac.  However, I know that in the rest of America purchasing drugstore makeup can be way less expensive so I've decided to do a Haul purchasing a few different products that I've used in the the past and loved and then later post some tutorials with those products.  

My favorite drugstore brand hands-down is Maybelline.  They have every kind of makeup and everything I've ever used by them has been amazing!  Almay is great for sensitive skin and Covergirl is of course classic.

So check out my Haul video and see my reviews!

xo

Kelly

So...I have a mascara problem....

I'll admit, I was obsessed with Kim K's makeup pre-Kanye, most especially her lashes!  I tried out fake lashes for awhile and found them to be too labor-intensive for an every day look.  Even for a night out I very rarely rocked them as I have tiny features and found they can be a little over the top on my face.  Plus, let's be honest, I'm getting old and my nights out have gone from Marquee, to Stumble-Inn, to my couch.  That being said, I've been on a mission to find a mascara that can mimic the look of fake lashes without the hassle.  Sit back, grab a glass/bottle of wine and enjoy the results of my thousands of dollars worth of research :o)

Absolute Best-

In my exhaustive efforts to find a mascara that I loved I stumbled upon this little gem; Buxom Lash. Admittedly, it is a bareMinerals' product and while at this point, 3 posts in, I should probably have a product placement contract with them, it is really just the best.  And I'm not just saying that.  This product, both which is both vitamin-enriched and parabin free, makes your lashes thicker and more voluminous than any product I've ever tried.  If you've ever met me I've probably recommended this to you whilst in the midst of a conversation about the weather or while being introduced.  

Now, there is a but to this....not all Buxom Mascaras are created equal.  I've tried their Waterproof formula, their Sculpted Lash and their Amplified Lash and they all suck.  Don't waste your money on any of those as they are not even close to comparable to the original and there are way better products out there.

Best, Most Affordable Mascara-

In the days of my youth (i.e. when I was 16) I was a Maybelline whore.  I used pretty much all of their products and scoffed at those who didn't know of their wonders.  While I've since experimented with more expensive products I'll always hold a special place in my heart for Maybelline. 

Now, I know everyone raves about the traditional Maybelline Great Lash green and pink mascara but I personally don't love it.  I don't even really like it.  I think it's good for getting bottom lashes and for lifting and separating but I don't think it does much for volume.  Now, the Maybelline XXL Curl Power Mascara is where it's at.  This stuff is a beaut.  It add volume, it separates, it curls it does it all; and all for only $10. Honestly, unless you're a huge makeup junkie like me you probably don't even need to invest in a more expensive mascara as this will definitely do the trick.

Best If You Already Have Thick Lashes-

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara is great at lifting, separating and curling lashes.  It's perfect if you already have perfect/great lashes or if you like a more natural look.  It's moisturizing, so it's good for your lashes and it just gives a great every day look.  It doesn't go on too thick and it's easy to layer.

Most Fun- 

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils comes in different colors like purple, burgundy and blue.  While it may seem extreme it can actually make your eyes pop and be really fun for a night out.  Purples look great on brown eyes, blue on blue eyes and the burgundy on green.  Don't knock it 'til you try it.  It's $30 so definitely not for worth it for just one night out but if you're willing to experiment, or you want your eyes to pop without using too much shadow this is definitely for you.

Honorable Mention-

1.) Cover Girl Lash Blast- While not my go-to it's definitely a great product if you're looking for an affordable, yet effective product

2.) Givenchy Phenomen' Eyes Mascara- A really cool concept, but the brush can be difficult to master if you're just the causal makeup user

3.) Anything with a vibrating brush- See Above

4.) L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara- Great product for the price

5.) Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Mascara-Adds a lot of volume without giving you spider lashes

Now onto the losers....

Most Disappointing- 

This physically pains me to write as I wanted to love this so much, but my most disappointing mascara purchase has been the Dior Diorshow Mascara.  Now, before you all crucify me (assuming there are people reading this...) I really gave this a shot.  At first I was in love, nay, obsessed.  It did everything it promised to, made my lashes look great and I loved it.  Then, I opened it a week later.  It looked as though I had left it open in front of a fan for 6 months.  Refusing to believe a $25 before tax mascara would dry up in the first month I rushed out to buy a new one.  Same thing happened.  Ever since then I've shed a tear every time I've passed it in Sephora for what could have been my favorite mascara.

Absolute Worst-

I'm not going to write one worst product for this because I've tried quite a few and never gone back.  Instead I'm just going to give a list of the ones I've purchased but wouldn't bother spending money on again.

1.) Anything Wet and Wild- Unless you're just starting out and experimenting with makeup, I think this goes without saying, spend the $5 extra to buy a Maybelline or Revlon

2.) Clinique Lash Power Mascara- I just personally didn't like it.  I didn't think it added much volume, nor did it do much else.  Definitely not worth the money

3.) Benefit BADgal Lash- I didn't feel that this did anything so special as to be on as many lists of best mascaras as it is.  There are way better products out there

Hope this helped anyone looking for something new to try.  I definitely have more to say about mascara so expect more posts on this to come!  

xo 

Kelly

Favorite Foundations

I've found foundation to be really specific to your skin type.  What works for me won't necessarily have the same effect on you and vice-versa. It's important to test out products before you purchase them and Sephora is a great store for purchasing products because their return policy is fairly lenient.   This can be useful when you think you love a product only to wear it and change your mind.  Also, most makeup counters will let you get a sample, so you can try the product before you make a purchase.  Some of the higher end foundations can be really expensive so it's important to make sure you like the product in all lighting before shelling out $40 for it.

My foundation usage has definitely varied throughout the years and I'm currently into experimenting with different foundations based on the occasion.  Foundation is a product that can be used at your discretion.  If your skin is even and you don't have too much you're worried about covering then you can even skip it for an every day look; but if you're going out or just trying to even your skin tone it can definitely make a difference.

Normal or Combination Skin-

I absolutely LOVE Bare Minerals foundation.  It does an amazing job of making your skin look flawless while not being heavy or making your skin feel oily.  I like using the loose powder in the summer or for less of a heavy feel/look and the pressed power when I want a little more coverage.  This product is not the best if you're trying to cover up a lot of scarring or acne, but if you just want an a simple every day look this is should be your go-to.

http://www.bareescentuals.com/bareMinerals-READY-SPF-20-Foundation/USMasterReadyFoundation,default,pd.html

Dry Skin-

I think for dry skin the best product is usually a cream or a mousse foundation.  These are usually lighter than a liquid yet still provide more coverage than a powder would; while often being moisturizing as well.  I am obsessed with the Nars Radiant Cream Compact.  I think the product is great, light weight and moisturizing, while still providing excellent coverage.  Also, the case it comes in is easy to throw into your purse for touch-ups.  It comes in a variety of different colors so I was able to find a color that matched perfectly with my skin tone.

http://www.sephora.com/radiant-cream-compact-foundation-P381712?skuId=1525013

If the Nars compact is a little pricey a great drug-store alternative is the Maybelline DreamSmooth Mousse.  It provides great coverage, is easy to apply and only $10!  This was my absolute favorite foundation in high school when my skin was a more broken out and I wanted coverage without looking like I was going on a photo-shoot.

http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Face-Makeup/Foundation/Dream-Smooth-Mousse.aspx

Oily Skin-

I think mineral foundation is great for oily skin as it's easy to apply to a slicker surface and the powder helps to sop up some of the oil.  However, if you have a lot of acne or scars you want to cover up you might prefer a fuller liquid  coverage, and that's where the Mac Mineralize Moisture Foundation is perfect.  It's a liquid coverage but has the lightweight feel of a mineral product.  I've only recently started getting into liquid foundations as I've never liked the feel of foundation on my skin but this doesn't have that oily after-feel that a lot of products too.  It goes on as a liquid but stays as a more mineral-powder-esq (did I just coin a term...) finish.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/24923/Products/Face/Foundation/Mineralize-Moisture-SPF15-Foundation/index.tmpl

Another great liquid foundation is the Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation.  This product really lives up to it's name and lasts for hours.  It goes on smooth and provides a pretty full coverage while not being too heavy.  While I'm a Mac girl at heart I'll definitely reach for this from time-to-time!

So those are my picks for foundation.  What do you all think?

xo 

Kelly